By Kris Goracke

Reporter

The regular Starbuck City Council May meeting opened with Mayor Gary Swenson accepting a donation of $12,796 for the Starbuck Marina Lighthouse project from Jeff Aaberg, a representative of the Starbuck VFW Men’s and Women’s Auxiliary. The money is from the recent cash party hosted by the auxiliary. 

“We have so many to thank for this,” said Aaberg. “We would like to thank the Minnewaska House, the Minnewaska Lake Association, who helped sell the tickets, and everyone who sold and purchased tickets. It was our biggest banquet ever, and several cash winners donated their money back to the lighthouse project.” 

“On behalf of the city, we thank you for this generous donation,” said Swenson.’’

In addition to the donation from the VFW auxiliary, Swenson thanked Dave and Colleen Johnsrud of Starbuck for their contribution to the lighthouse project. Swenson also told the council that Hanson Communications donated a $10,000 matching fund for the project. “I suggest the city match the $10,000,” said Swenson. The council voted unanimously to set aside $10,000 for the lighthouse project to match the funds from Hanson Communications.

Taylor Williamson, a representative from West Central Sanitation, spoke before the council regarding the garbage and recycling contract. “I understand you are looking for a five-year contract?” asked Swenson. “Yes, we will honor Mattheisen Disposal’s remaining contract and continue service on our contract,” said Williamson. The council had no further questions.

Starbuck resident Madison Hall addressed the council concerning her dog, Kali. “I am here tonight to speak up for my dog and give her a voice,” said Hall. “Kali should not be listed as a dangerous dog. She has not bitten anyone. Officer Ryan said Kali had bitten someone, yet we have never seen proof. We have a fence and keep her on a leash when outside, so I am here to ask the council not to deem her a dangerous dog. Kali is full of life and love.” After listening to Hall’s plea, Swenson suggested Hall speak to Starbuck Chief of Police Mitch Johnsrud about the situation.

At this point, Officer Johnsrud stated that the dog had been running at large and growling at people. Still, there had not been any reports about the dog biting anyone. “I would be comfortable if we labeled the dog as potentially dangerous as long as the dog remains on leash and is microchipped,” said Johnsrud.

Morgan Flanagin, a neighbor to Hall, addressed the council. “I am a neighbor of this dog, and my concern is the dog is not trained. The dog has chased my son, which is frightening. If the dog remains in the fence and stays in the yard, I have no problem. However, another concern is who is liable for this dog?” asked Flanagin. “The owner of the dog is liable,” said Swenson. 

“Do you [Hall] have homeowners’ insurance to cover your dog?” “I am not sure,” said Hall.

It was decided that if Hall kept the dog on a leash and had her microchipped, it would be considered a potentially dangerous dog.

Next on the agenda were Jenny and Greg Tolifson, the new owners of Neon Loon. “We just wanted to introduce ourselves and thank the city for the support and help you have given us,” said Jenny. “Do you have an opening date yet?” council member Steve Gorder asked. 

“We are hoping for mid-June. Our espresso machine should be coming this week, so we are one step closer to opening,” said Tolifson. “We wish you all the best,” said Swenson.

In the mayor’s update, Swenson announced that a new business, Mustang Seeds, is opening in Starbucks. He also gave an update on childcare. “Two things we need in our community are housing and childcare,” said Swenson. “Glacial Hills Charter School is opening a childcare facility this summer, and Minnewaska Lutheran Home is discussing the possibility of opening a childcare center.”

The council spoke about the blight issue in the city. “It just seems to be getting worse, and little is done to clean things up,” said council member Mary Baukol. “We need to look at ways to enforce our ordinance and perhaps increase the fines.” The mayor suggested sending letters to all homeowners and landlords informing them of the ordinance.

Officer Johnsrud presented his report to the council. “In April, we had 161 calls for service, down from March, with 193 calls for service. I want to thank the council and community for all the support. It is overwhelming and greatly appreciated,” said Johnsrud.

Randy Peterson updated the council on the new docks for Hobo Park. “We just received the frames from Lowry Manufacturing. Since the old docks are already in, we will prepare these frames for next spring,” said Peterson. 

Peterson also presented two bids for installing generators at the city office. One quote from Messner of Hancock, Minnesota, was $18,025.66, and the other from Ogdahl Electric of Starbuck for $17,875.00. “Do we have to take the lower bid?” asked Gorder. “No, you do not,” stated city clerk Joan Kerkvliet. 

Looking at the bids, Gorder commented to Peterson that the Messner quote was more detailed than Ogdahl’s and inquired about the difference. “Messner has done a lot of work for the city, and we went over the job, but I did not meet with Ogdahls,” said Peterson. “Are either of them local?” asked Gorder. “Cody Kleinschmidt works for Messner and lives in Starbuck. He is always willing to help when we need him,” said Peterson. “What about Ogdahls? Are they local?” asked Gorder. “I don’t know,” stated Peterson. After some discussion, the council decided to go with the Peterson’s recommendation and accept the bid from Messner.

A discussion concerning the rental limits on Hobo Park lakeside sites #51-54 was next. 

Swenson was concerned that the current policy allows campers to reserve a site for consecutive months. Meribeth Noyes, who works at Hobo Park, spoke before the council. “Right now, a seasonal camper pays $480 a month, whereas a camper who reserves a spot for consecutive months pays $625 monthly. I would suggest we leave the policy as is. We are receiving more money for those campsites than for seasonal camping. Also, we need to consider that we are guaranteed campers by renting those sites for consecutive months,” said Noyes. “My concern is that we have no availability for those who come to town and want to stay at Hobo Park,” said Swenson. “We still have other campsites available, just not the lakeside ones,” said Noyes. “And truthfully, most lakeside campsites are reserved one year in advance. So, I am unsure how not allowing someone to reserve consecutive months is an issue,” commented Noyes. Council member Gorder agreed that having sites reserved and guaranteed income is better than hoping sites are used.  After a brief discussion, the council voted to leave the rental agreement as is. The council voted to keep the policy as is.

In other business, the council:

•Approved Resolution #2023-08 accepted the contract for garbage removal with West Central Sanitation.

•Approved Resolution #2023-09 accepted a donation from Dave and Colleen Johnsrud for the Lighthouse fund.

•Approved Resolution #2023-10 accepted donations for the police department for the Kid’s Safety Camp.

•Approved Tiffany Holten as the community center’s new kitchen manager as of June 1, 2023.

•Approved Resolution #2023-11 accepted a donation to the Starbuck Airport from Gary Swenson.